California Farmers Forced to Destroy 420,000 Peach Trees After Del Monte Cannery Closures
California farmers are facing a significant challenge following the closure of Del Monte Foods' canneries in Modesto and Hughson. The closures have left farmers with a surplus of clingstone peaches and no buyer, as Del Monte processed a substantial portion of the state's peaches. As a result, farmers are considering destroying approximately 3,000 acres of peach trees, equating to about 420,000 trees. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved $9 million in federal aid to assist farmers in transitioning to other crops. This decision follows a request from over 40 California lawmakers, who highlighted the need for intervention to support the region's multi-generational farmers. The aid aims to mitigate projected losses of $30 million by removing 50,000 tons of peaches from production. 
